Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1872 [PAGE 165]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

161 The reading of the minutes of the last meeting was dispensed wit h. Dr. J. M. Gregory read the following report:

GENTLEMEN : On account of the understanding had when we last met, no meeting of the Executive Committee was called in August. Since your meeting, on the 2d of July, the work on the building has been pressed forward with reasonable dispatch. I t is now nearly roofed in, and the brick work is completed, except the towers. A large part of the east wing is already plastered, and all the rooms, except in the west wing, are lathed. The contractor expects to have the building finished by the first of December. The excellency of the plan adopted by the Trustees appears more and more as the work goes on, and the structure has received much intelligent commendation, as one of the finest University buildings on the continent. The necessity imposed upon us of studying more than usual economy, on account of the use of our funds in completing the new University building, has been steadily kept in mind. Shortly after the close of the Spring Term I dispensed with the services of my Private Secretary, and, through the aid of Professors Carey and Snyder, kindly rendered, have succeeded in meeting the unusual demands during the summer. I am now compelled to again have some clerical assistance, but hope to provide it at a cheaper rate than was before paid. In corresponding with Dr. Detmars, I learned that his engagements will not permit him to give his customary course of lectures on Veterinary Science during the coining year. I have accordingly opened correspondence with Dr. Law, of Cornell University, and Dr. Eachman, Professor of Veterinary School, Montreal; and from letters received from the latter gentleman, I have a hope that satisfactory arrangements will be made to provide for competent instruction in this department. The Reports herewith presented will show the work done and the progress made in the several prac tical departments of the University during the past summer. The prospects for the coming year are unusually flattering. Our great difficulty will be to secure the necessary accommodations for the large body of students expected. The necessity of our new building grows every day more and more apparent, and it is to be hoped that the necessary appropriation may be made to finish and furnish it for early use. The perforated base for ventilation ought at once to be ordered, as it will soon be required. I have ordered the fitting up of the rooms in the second story of the Veterinary Hall, as they will be needed for students. The lands in Minnesota and Nebraska have been advertised for sale, as you directed, and two or three letters of inquiry have been received in regard to terms.

The reports of the Mechanical Departments were read, and a bill of petty expenses presented, which was audited and allowed. The subject of charges to be made to the carpenter shop, for steam power, was referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. Pearson and Cobb, with instructions to report at the next meeting. The matter of the sale and payments for a steam engine manufactured for Messrs. Cole & Co., of Chester, 111., was referred to Mr. Pearson and Prof. Eobinson. The report of the Book-keeper and statement of expenditures to September 1, 1872, was read and accepted. The report of the Carpentry Department was read and accepted, and bills for traveling and petty expenses were audited and allowed. The following resolution was adopted, on motion of Judge Cunningham:

Resolved, That in all cases cash be required for work done in the shops, unless otherwise ordered by the Regent.

The request of Mr. Stedman, for purchase of timber, was referred to the Eegent and Judge Cunningham, with power to act. —16